More than forty students and teachers from Kap Yan Directors’ College took part in a service-learning programme in China at Easter to meet students in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan (湖南湘西土家族苗族自治州). The Programme began when the students of Tangjiaqiao primary school(唐家橋小學) and Nanchangcheng primary school(南長城交通希望小學) , who were mainly Hmong Chinese (苖族), gave us a warm reception by performing their traditional dance. Through the programme, our students found it meaningful and rewarding by becoming student teachers. We donated desks, chairs and sports equipment to the schools and distributed stationery and toys to the students.
Preparation was the key to the success of the programme. Our teachers visited the schools in December 2018 and discussed the details of the learning programme with the local teachers so as to understand the needs of their students and thus provide the most suitable services. The programme has served the purpose of promoting educational and cultural exchanges and received positive feedback.
We also visited a local secondary school called Fenghuangxian Gaoji Secondary School (鳳凰縣高級中學), where our students attended lessons together with the local students. Our students learnt more about the school life in Mainland China. We were impressed because the students there were very friendly and eager to share their school life with us. Some local students exchanged contact information with us so that we can keep in touch after the visit. Although the activity was short, every part of it was run smoothly and we have built a good relationship with the local students.
Last but not least, we travelled to Fenghuang Ancient Town (鳳凰古城) , Dehang Miao Village (德夯苗寨) as well as Aizhai Bridge (矮寨大橋) . Students learnt more about the conservation of natural and cultural heritage, traditional Chinese culture, and the heights of modern architecture in China after the visit.